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Getting your makeup done correctly for your big day is just as important as finding the perfect dress! You want to look and feel your absolute best on your wedding day, so we went straight to the source to chat with a makeup artist! Allison McAllister of Allison McAllister Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist gave us some great advice when it comes to wedding day makeup.

Allison says, "Be true to yourself, but be open to your makeup artist's advice. It is so common for brides to tell me they don't wear makeup daily, and they want just a little bit 'for the photos.' On the other hand, I have brides that bring me tons of Pinterest photos and get caught up in looking exactly like the picture, but not really thinking about how the particular style will work with their facial features and coloring. Talk with your makeup artist about what you like and don't like. If you don't feel comfortable in a ton of makeup, tell the artist what you normally wear before they get started. If you see a photo that you love, show it to your artist and talk about the parts that you like the most. Allow your artist to take in everything that you've said, and make suggestions based on your likes and dislikes. Understand that your best look will be achieved when the artist combines what you like with what works best for you, and sometimes that requires you go (just a little bit) out of your comfort zone. My goal as a bridal makeup artist is for the bride to look like a fancier version of themselves. I want the groom's jaw to drop when he sees her, not to wonder who the woman is walking toward him!"

When it comes to trial runs, Allison says "Come prepared! Bring photos of looks you like and don't like. Photos of your dress, hairstyle (if it's not being done by the same artist), and overall wedding look will help the makeup artist get a better feel for who you are and have that reflect in your makeup. Also, don't be pressed for time. I tell my brides to allow 90 minutes for a makeup trial. It's rare that it takes that long, but it give us the opportunity to play around with a couple different looks without being crunched for time."

"I usually tell my brides to schedule a trial within two months of the wedding if possible. In my experience, brides that have a trial too far ahead tend to forget how it looked and request a second trial. It will save you some time and money to do it closer to the big day when all the details are ironed out."

Allison's one tip for brides: "I'm big on airbrush foundation for brides. Bridal makeup has to last for a long time and should be comfortable. In my experience, airbrush makeup is lighter, and more flawless overall. It lasts longer too, especially on hot summer days. A misconception I hear often is that airbrush is very heavy, while others expect that it won't have enough coverage. Airbrush is custom to you and the look/coverage you want. It can be as light or as heavy as you want. Once the brides let me try it on them, they never go back to traditional!"

Allison McAllister has been specializing in event hair and makeup for over 10 years. She has trained extensively with Jean Madeline Aveda Institute, MAC Cosmetics, Alterna, Aquage, and many other well known companies. She has spent much of her career working in hair salons as well as educating other salon professionals in makeup artistry. ​​To learn more about Allison McAllister Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist go to http://www.allisonmcallister.com